Twist-inhibiting collar for sport

ABSTRACT

A twist-inhibiting collar for sports is disclosed. The twist-inhibiting collar includes a first surface configured to engage with an ulnar edge of a first hand of a player, and a second surface configured to engage with a radial edge of a second hand of the player, the second surface opposite the first surface. The collar also includes an aperture passing through the first surface and the second surface and defined by an interface surface that is coupled to a sport implement held by the player. The twist-inhibiting collar includes an elastomeric material. The sport implement may be a bat having a handle, and the aperture may be sized to fit the handle. The sport implement may be a golf club having a grip, and the aperture may be sized to fit the grip.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/070,226, filed Oct. 14, 2020 (published as US20210106892), which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/914,985, filed Oct. 14, 2019 titled “Twist-Inhibiting Collar for A Baseball Bat,” the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to a twist-inhibiting collar for sport.

BACKGROUND

Success in many sports, if not most, requires a combination of ability, which to some extent is innate to a player, and skill, which must be learned. Playing a sport often requires a player to coordinate multiple movements simultaneously. Focusing on one movement can leave the others to rely on instinct or muscle memory, which may stray from a narrow set of parameters that result in optimal performance.

A good example of this is batting in baseball. Ideally, a good baseball bat swing will take the end of the bat through the strike zone and “stay through” the baseball, rather than dipping in or approaching the ball from a strange angle. Whether or not a batter is able to stay through the ball while swinging may depend on their ability to keep their hands from turning relative to each other while gripping the bat, which tends to throw the bat off course. This twisting motion can be very subtle and is easily lost among the many motions taking place during the swing while the player is focusing on the approaching ball. This can be a difficult habit for experienced players to break, let alone teaching it to young players new to the game. Non-professional players often have a tendency of getting their hands out of adjustment, resulting in less-than-ideal swings, blistered hands, and the reinforcement of bad habits.

Similar problems are experienced by players of other sports. Golf, for instance, requires a player to maintain the relative position of their hands throughout the swing so the club face “stays through” the ball. When the player's hands come out of this configuration, the club rolls and the ball is prone to be hit in an unexpected direction.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a twist-inhibiting collar for sports includes a first surface configured to engage with an ulnar edge of a first hand of a player, and a second surface configured to engage with a radial edge of a second hand of the player. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The twist-inhibiting collar also includes an aperture passing through the first surface and the second surface, the aperture defined by an interface surface that is coupled to a bat held in the first hand and the second hand. The bat includes a handle, and the aperture is sized to fit the handle. The handle of the bat includes a knob. The twist-inhibiting collar includes an elastomeric material sufficiently elastic that the aperture can stretch enough to allow the knob to pass through the aperture. At least one of the first surface and the second surface includes a plurality of surface elements extending outward.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The twist-inhibiting collar may also include an internal layer that is parallel to and sandwiched between the first surface and second surface. The internal layer may be composed of a material that may be more rigid than the elastomeric material. The plurality of surface elements may be rounded bumps. At least a portion of the twist-inhibiting collar may be visible while the bat is in use, with the first hand in contact with the first surface and/or the second hand in contact with the second surface. The elastomeric material may have a hardness of at least 30 durometer. The twist-inhibiting collar may have less than 2-fold rotational symmetry with respect to a central axis passing through the aperture. The elastomeric material may be able to absorb a dye after manufacture.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a twist-inhibiting collar for sports includes a first surface configured to engage with an ulnar edge of a first hand of a player, and a second surface configured to engage with a radial edge of a second hand of the player. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The twist-inhibiting collar also includes an aperture passing through the first surface and the second surface, the aperture defined by an interface surface that is coupled to a sport implement held in the first hand and the second hand. The twist-inhibiting collar includes an elastomeric material.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The sport implement may be a bat having a handle, and the aperture may be sized to fit the handle. The handle of the bat may include a knob, and the elastomeric material may be sufficiently elastic that the aperture can stretch enough to allow the knob to pass through the aperture. The sport implement may be a golf club having a grip, and the aperture may be sized to fit the grip. The twist-inhibiting collar may include a hand segment and/or a thumb segment. The thumb segment may have a width greater than a thumb of the second hand of the player, and/or the smallest radial thickness of the hand segment as measured from a central axis passing through and normal to the aperture may be at least four times larger than the largest radial thickness of the thumb segment. At least one of the first surface and the second surface may include a plurality of surface elements extending outward. The twist-inhibiting collar may further include a split passing through the first surface and the second surface.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U. S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a twist-inhibiting collar on a bat;

FIGS. 2A-2G are perspective, top, bottom, front, back, right, and left side views of a twist-inhibiting collar for sport;

FIGS. 3A-F are top views of various embodiments of a twist-inhibiting collar for sport;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a twist-inhibiting collar on a bat in use;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a twist-inhibiting collar on a golf club;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the twist-inhibiting collar of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A-7F are top, bottom, front, back, right, and left side views of the twist-inhibiting collar of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a twist-inhibiting collar on a golf club in use;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a cross section of another embodiment of a twist-inhibiting collar on a bat taken along the central axis;

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a twist-inhibiting collar on a bat; and

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a cross section of a grip sleeve on a bat taken along the central axis of the bat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

Success in many sports, if not most, requires a combination of ability, which to some extent is innate to a player, and skill, which must be learned. Playing a sport often requires a player to coordinate multiple movements simultaneously. Focusing on one movement can leave the others to rely on instinct or muscle memory, which may stray from a narrow set of parameters that result in optimal performance.

A good example of this is batting in baseball. Ideally, a good baseball bat swing will take the end of the bat through the strike zone and “stay through” the baseball, rather than dipping in or approaching the ball from a strange angle. Whether or not a batter is able to stay through the ball while swinging may depend on their ability to keep their hands from turning relative to each other while gripping the bat, which tends to throw the bat off course. This twisting motion can be very subtle and is easily lost among the many motions taking place during the swing while the player is focusing on the approaching ball. This can be a difficult habit for experienced players to break, let alone teaching it to young players new to the game. Non-professional players often have a tendency of getting their hands out of adjustment, resulting in less-than-ideal swings, blistered hands, and the reinforcement of bad habits.

Similar problems are experienced by players of other sports. Golf, for instance, requires a player to maintain the relative position of their hands throughout the swing so the club face “stays through” the ball. When the player's hands come out of this configuration, the club rolls and the ball is prone to be hit in an unexpected direction.

Contemplated herein is a twist-inhibiting collar for a sports implement, such as a bat or a club. According to various embodiments, the twist-inhibiting collar (hereinafter TIC) is a thin barrier that is positioned between a player's hands as they grip the sports implement. The TIC inhibits the player's hands from twisting, or rotating with respect to each other, while the implement is being swung. This helps the player to stay through the swing. The TIC also protects the hands of the player from injuries such as blisters that can occur due to excessive twisting (e.g. while training).

Not only does the TIC prevent the relative twisting of the player's hand, it also can provide tactile feedback, helping them realize when their hands are twisting. Often, there is so much going on during a swing, and so many things to pay attention to, it is easy for hand alignment to go unnoticed. By providing this tactile feedback, a player may more easily notice their hand alignment and make corrections. By inhibiting this twist, the TIC helps a player stay through the ball, and helps a player become aware of this subtle motion taking place while many other motions are occurring simultaneously.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a twist-inhibiting collar 100 (hereinafter TIC 100) on a sport implement 106. Specifically, it is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a TIC 100 installed on a bat 108 (e.g. a baseball bat, a softball bat, etc.).

As shown, the TIC 100 has a first surface 102 and a second surface 104 that is opposite the first surface 102. The first surface 102 is configured or designed to engage with an ulnar edge of the player's first hand (here, the “top” hand when gripping the bat 108, or top when treating the handle 110 of the bat 108 as the bottom of the bat 108). The second surface 104 is configured or designed to engage with a radial edge of the player's second hand (here, the bottom hand). An example of a player gripping a bat 108 with a TIC 100 between their hands is shown in FIG. 4. A discussion of what it means for a surface to be configured to engage with a player's hands is made with respect to FIG. 3A, below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the TIC 100 fits on the handle 110 of the bat 108, encircling it. As will be discussed further, below, some embodiments of the TIC 100 may be continuous, annular, and may stretch to pass over the knob 112 at the end of a bat 108, while other embodiments of the TIC 100 may open to receive the handle 110 and may then be securely closed. It should be noted that the thickness of the TIC 100 shown in FIG. 1 has been slightly exaggerated for visibility; in some embodiments, the TIC 100 is thin or low-profile, to allow the player to keep their hands close together, as though the TIC 100 was not there.

In the context of the present disclosure and the claims that follow, a sport implement 106 is a piece of sporting equipment or gear that is used with a two-handed grip. Of particular interest are implements whose use is optimal when the player's two hands are held together with a relative orientate that does not change during an ideal swing or use. Examples include, but are not limited to, baseball bats, softball bats, golf clubs, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bat 108 comprises a handle 110, with a knob 112 at the end. It should be noted that while much of the following discussion and accompanying figures is in the context of a bat 108, the concept, structures, and features may be applied to, or adapted for, other sport implements. For example, various embodiments adapted for use with a golf club will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 5-8, below.

FIGS. 2A-2G are various view of a non-limiting example of a twist-inhibiting collar 100 for sport. Specifically, FIGS. 2A-2G are perspective, top, bottom, front, back, right, and left side view, respectively. As shown, the TIC 100 has an aperture 200 that is sized to allow a portion of the sport implement 106 to pass through the TIC 100. Specifically, the aperture 200 is sized to allow the part of the sport implement 106 where a player places their hands to grip the sport implement 106 (e.g. the handle 110 of a bat 108, etc.).

According to various embodiments, the aperture 200 is centered on a central axis 202 of the TIC 100 that is centered on and parallel to at least the portion of the sport implement 106 coupled to the TIC 100. In some embodiments, the aperture 200 is centered on the TIC 100, such that the central axis 202 passes through the center of the TIC 100.

In other embodiments, the aperture 200 may be off center with respect to the TIC 100, meaning the TIC 100 has reduced or even non-existent rotational symmetry with respect to the sport implement 106. As a consequence, the player would need to rotate the implement 106 until the TIC 100 is in the proper position with respect to their hands gripping the implement 106. Embodiments having such a configuration will be discussed in greater detail below, in the context of embodiments configured for use with golf clubs.

The TIC 100 may be composed of materials that allow it to have a thin profile while also exhibiting sufficient surface friction that the twisting of the player's hands is inhibited. Some embodiments comprise elastomeric materials 206 having these properties and that are also advantageously elastic, permitting the TIC 100 to be stretched over the knob 112 at the end of the bat 108. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, elastomeric materials such as silicone, rubber, natural rubber, as well as thermoplastic elastomers.

Some embodiments of the TIC 100 may comprise a compressible material that the player may squeeze between their hands, providing a thin profile in addition to a degree of shock absorption. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomeric foam, polymeric foams such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foam, viscoelastic polyurethane foam (memory foam), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, silicone foam, neoprene, and foam rubber. Advantageously, some embodiments make use of foamed compounds that also have a high degree of surface friction.

Some embodiments of the TIC 100 may be composed of a material having a hardness of at least 30 durometer. As a specific example, one embodiment of the TIC 100 may be composed of 35 durometer natural rubber. Other embodiments may be composed of harder or stiffer materials, while still other embodiments may be floppier, making the TIC 100 easier to conform to the shape of the player's hands.

Some embodiments of the TIC 100, including the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may have the form of an elastic, unbroken annulus. Other embodiments may comprise an aperture 200 that can open and close, to receive and grip a sport implement inserted from the side rather than passed through the middle, eliminating the need to be able to stretch open wide enough to pass the knob 112 of the bat 108. In both cases, the aperture 200 is sized to fit the sport implement 106. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, the aperture being sized to fit the sport implement 106 means that the aperture 200 is sized such that when the sport implement 106 is inside of the aperture 200 and the TIC 100 is in position to be sandwiched between the player's two hands gripping the implement 106 for use, the TIC 100 is coupled to or otherwise engaged with the sport implement 106.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the aperture 200 of the TIC 100 is sized to receive and grip the handle 110 of the bat 108. The TIC 100 may be stretched open, allowing the knob 112 at the end of a bat 108 to pass through, and then contracting enough to engage with the handle 110 of the bat 108. Since players use a variety of gripping locations on a bat 108, the TIC 100 is adjustable and re-adjustable to various locations on the handle 110 of the bat 108. In some embodiments, the aperture 200 may be small enough to engage with the narrowest section of a handle 110 of the bat 108 while also being elastic enough to stretch around the knob 112 of the bat 108. The engagement of the TIC 100 with the handle 110 of the bat 108 will be discussed in greater detail, below.

As shown, the aperture 200 passes through the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 of the TIC 100 and is defined by an interface surface 204. The interface surface 204 is the surface that is coupled to the sport implement 106. According to various embodiments, the TIC 100, once installed on a bat 108 or other sport implement 106, will maintain its position on the handle 110 of the bat 108 by engaging with the surface of the bat 108. In some embodiments, the TIC 100 will engage with the bat 108 through friction. For example, in some embodiments, the TIC 100 will interface with the bat 108 through the same high-grip elastomer that prevents the player's hands from twisting. In other embodiments, the interface surface 204 of the TIC 100 may comprise a different high-friction material than is used elsewhere on the TIC 100. For example, in one embodiment, the TIC 100 may interface with the bat 108 using a material having higher friction and greater elasticity than the elastomer 206 used for the top and bottom surfaces, relying on them to provide the needed compression to hold the TIC 100 against the surface of the sport implement 106.

As mentioned above, some embodiments of the TIC 100 may maintain their position on the handle 110 of the bat 108 or other sport implement 10 through friction between the interface surface 204 and the implement 106. It may be advantageous to increase the friction provided by the surface of the handle 110 of the bat 108 to enhance the grip the TIC 100 has on the bat 108. In many cases, the gripping area of a sport implement 106 may be enhanced with some additional material, such as grip tape. In some embodiments, the TIC 100 may be used in conjunction with conventional grip tape on the handle 110 of the bat 108.

FIGS. 3A-F are top views of various embodiments of non-limiting examples of a twist-inhibiting collar for sport. According to various embodiments, the perimeter of the TIC 100 may have a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, gear-shaped, circular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal or other polygon shapes, star-shaped, saw blade-shaped, and the like. Non-limiting examples of some of these perimeter shapes are shown in FIGS. 3A-3F.

In some embodiments, the TIC 100 may have some degree of rotational symmetry about the central axis 202 (i.e. the handle 110 of the bat 108), while in other embodiments the TIC 100 may have an asymmetrical or low symmetry profile. Such embodiments will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5-7.

In some embodiments, the TIC 100 may be substantially or entirely covered up by the player's hands when in use. In other embodiments, the TIC 100 may be sized and/or shaped such that at least a portion 304 of the TIC 100 is visible while the sport implement 106 is in use and in the hands of the player. For example, FIG. 3A shows a gear-shaped embodiment, with gear teeth that would be a portion 304 of the TIC 100 that is visible even while the player hands are holding the sport implement 106 (e.g. bat 108, etc.) and engaging with the first 102 and second 104 surfaces of the TIC 100. In other embodiments, the visible portion 304 may be symmetric about the center axis 202 (e.g. the TIC 100 has a large enough diameter or rough diameter that it extends slightly beyond the player's hands while in use).

In other embodiments, the TIC 100 may be slightly smaller than the player's grip. Since players having a wide range of age and experience may benefit from the TIC 100, embodiments may have different sizes depending on the target user. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the TIC 100 may have a largest diameter of 4 inches. In another specific example, the TIC 100 may have a largest diameter of 3.5 inches.

In some embodiments, the visible portion 304 may be visually distinct. For example, in some embodiments, the TIC 100 may be brightly colored, to increase visibility, and/or may comprise a visual guide to assist a young player with ideal hand placement. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material 206 is able to absorb a dye 306 (e.g. ink, pigment, paint, colorant, etc.) after manufacture. In other words, in said embodiments, the elastomeric material 206 may be chosen such that a player is able to customize the visual appearance after obtaining the TIC 100. As a specific example, a young baseball player may be able to use permanent markers or paint pens to color the teeth of a gear-shaped TIC 100 (e.g. the TIC 100 of FIG. 3A) with the colors of their team, or their favorite professional team, or to write their name or player number in order to distinguish their TIC 100 from those of their teammates.

In some embodiments, the TIC 100 may receive a surface treatment during or after manufacture, to make the elastomeric material 206 able to absorb a dye 306. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the TIC 100 may be manufactured such that a thin layer on the surfaces of the TIC 100 may be porous to some degree, and apt to absorb ink, and then be substantially solid in the middle. In other embodiments, the TIC 100 may comprise a different material on one or more surfaces that is able to absorb a dye 306.

According to various embodiments, the TIC 100 may be made in a range of thicknesses, depending on the skill level and size of the player. For example, some embodiments intended for advanced or professional players may have a thin profile, allowing these experienced players to keep their hands close together, as they have grown accustomed to through many years of playing. Other embodiments intended for beginners may be thicker, providing greater cushioning and gripping power. As a specific example, one embodiment of the TIC 100 may be 3/16 inches thick. Other embodiments may be thinner, while still other embodiments may be thicker than 3/16 inches.

As shown, in some embodiments, the aperture 200 that receives the sport implement 106 may be unbroken, with the TIC 100 stretching to permit installation. In other embodiments, the TIC 100 may comprise a split 308 passing through the first surface 102 and the second surface 104, allowing the aperture 200 to open up and receive a sport implement 106 from the side.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a non-limiting example of a TIC 100 having a split 308 that is substantially perpendicular to the TIC 100. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, any discussion of an angle of a split 308 make reference to the angle of a plane defined by the intersection of the split 308 with the first surface 102 and the intersection of the split 308 with the second surface 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a split 308 that is perpendicular to the TIC 100 means that the split 308 breaks the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 along lines that are aligned, one on top of the other.

In other embodiments, the split 308 may form a smaller or larger angle with respect to the TIC 100, which may be advantageous in some embodiments where the TIC 100 is composed of an elastomeric material 206 having a high surface friction, as a split 308 having an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the TIC would mean the two “ends” of the TIC 100 would interact with each other over a larger surface area, increasing their ability to resist being pulled apart.

In some embodiments, the TIC 100 may be installed by opening up, wrapping around the handle 110 of a bat 108 at the desired location, and then closing. Such an installation method may be easier for younger players than stretching a TIC 100 around the knob 112 of the bat 108. Such embodiments may make use of a variety of closing mechanisms to encircle the handle 110 of the bat 108, including, but not limited to, clasps, cinches, ends woven through each other, and overlapping layers with the ends secured (e.g. adhesive, magnets, clamps, pins, etc.).

As discussed above, some embodiments of the TIC 100 may rely on high friction materials to grip the player's hands and inhibit twisting during the swing. Other embodiments may rely on a surface texture, either by itself or in combination with a gripping material such as an elastomeric material 206. For example, some embodiments of the TIC 100 intended for training may comprise texture or surface elements 300 on the first 102 and/or second 104 surfaces that increase the tactile feedback (e.g. smooth bumps) without increasing the likelihood the player's hands are injured (e.g. causing a blister, etc.). Other embodiments, such as embodiments of the TIC 100 intended for use in a game, may employ textures or surface elements 300 on the first 102 and/or second 104 surfaces to increase the strength of the twist inhibition (e.g. grit surface, grooves, etc.). Some embodiments of the TIC 100 may be compatible with, or even require, the use of gloves (e.g. batting gloves, golf gloves, etc.), while other embodiments may be used with bare hands.

Some embodiments may provide both increased grip and tactile feedback, using surface elements 300 that extend outward and increase the surface area of interaction along which the hands engage, as well as provide sensory input to the player to assist them in feeling what their hands are doing during the swing, despite the numerous other activities demanding their attention. FIG. 3A shows a top view of a non-limiting example of a TIC 100 having a plurality of surface elements 300 that are rounded bumps 302. In some embodiments, the surface elements 300 may be composed of the same material as the rest of the TIC 100 (e.g. part of a mold used to create the TIC 100 from an elastomeric material 206, etc.). In other embodiments, the surface elements 300 may be applied to the first 102 and/or second 104 surfaces of the TIC 100 during or after the rest of the TIC 100 has been formed. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the surface elements 300 may be a sand-like grit applied to the surfaces during molding. Other embodiments may have surface elements 300 having various shapes and sizes, beyond the discussed grit or the rounded bumps 302 shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a twist-inhibiting collar 100 on a bat 108 that is being held by a player 400. As shown, when in use the TIC 100 is sandwiched between the first hand 402 and second hand 406 of a player 400 to prevent their hands from twisting relative to each other during a swing. Specifically, the ulnar edge 404 (i.e. pinky-side edge) of the first hand 402 (i.e. top hand in FIG. 4) is engaged with the first surface 102 of the TIC 100, and the radial edge 408 (i.e. thumb-side edge) of the second hand 406 (i.e. bottom hand in FIG. 4) is engaged with the second surface 104 of the TIC 100. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a portion of a hand or glove “engages” with a surface of a TIC 100 when it is in contact with said surface, and that contact is sufficient that twisting motion of the hand and that surface of the TIC is inhibited through friction and/or some other mechanism or mechanisms. The degree of inhibition is at least enough to draw the attention of the player, but may be great enough to prevent that twisting motion except in circumstances where a player is making a concerted effort to make their hands twist. In other words, the TIC would prevent accidental twisting of hands.

As previously mentioned, some embodiments of the TIC 100 may be used with gloves 410, while others may be adapted for bare handed use. In some embodiments the TIC 100 may be used in conjunction with special gloves specifically configured to directly couple with the first 102 and/or second 104 surfaces of the TIC 100. For example, in one embodiment, these special gloves may comprise gripping material on the ulnar edge 404 (i.e. pinky-side edge) of the first hand glove and the radial edge 408 (i.e. thumb-side edge) of the second hand glove that are designed to engage with the first and second surfaces of the TIC 100. As an option, in some embodiments these TIC-adapted gloves may also engage with each other, inhibiting hand twisting through the gloves alone (e.g. the gloves grip each other, eliminating the need for a TIC 100 in between the hands).

FIGS. 5-7 are various views of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a twist-inhibiting collar 500 adapted for an integrated hand grip. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a TIC 500 coupled to the grip 502 a golf club 502. FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective and top views, respectively, of the TIC 500 of FIG. 5, by itself.

Similar to swinging a baseball bat 108, a golf swing is best performed by moving the club face to stay through the ball. Twisting between the player's hands during the swing will make the club 502 roll, changing the angle of the club face and sending the golf ball in a direction different than was desired. Advantageously, the TIC 500 inhibits such twisting, and the player a greater feeling of the hands being connected and comfortable throughout the swing.

According to various embodiments, there may be one or more differences between twist-inhibiting collars 500 adapted for use with a golf club 502 and twist-inhibiting collars 100 adapted for use with a bat 108. In addition to the drastic difference in overall shape due to the use of an integrated hand grip in golf, which will be discussed below, the TICs 100,500 may differ due to the differences in the sport implements 106 on which they are used. For example, in some embodiments, the aperture 200 of the TIC 500 for golf will be smaller than that of the baseball variations, to better couple with the thinner grip 504 of the golf club 502 when compared with the handle 110 of the bat 108.

In some embodiments, a TIC 500 for golf may be composed of an elastomeric material 206 that is harder and/or has a greater density than what may be used in a TIC 100 for a bat. This is because golf grips 502 typically do not have a knob over which the TIC 500 would have to be stretched, as in the bat variation. This means that the golf TIC 500 may not have to be as elastic as the bat TIC 100. While this could result in a TIC 500 that is much harder to stretch than the bat variation, the use of a harder elastomeric material may also allow the golf TIC 500 to be made thinner than the bat 100. This may be advantageous, as a golf swing often can involve a lot more “finesse” than a bat swing that would benefit from a minimal separation of the hands, and does not require as much shock absorption. Of course, in other embodiments, the golf TIC 500 may be composed of the same material as a bat TIC 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the golf TIC 500 may be thinner than a TIC adapted for use with a bat 108. As a specific example, in one embodiment, an embodiment of the TIC 500 adapted for use with a golf club may be ⅛ inch thick. In other embodiments, the TIC 500 may be thinner than ⅛ inch, while in still other embodiments the TIC 500 may be thicker than ⅛ inches.

As previously mentioned, the TIC 500 shown in FIGS. 5-7 is adapted for use with a sport implement 106 wielded by a player 400 using an integrated hand grip, such as the more commonly used hand grips in golf. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these embodiments of a TIC 500 may be adapted for use with other sport implements 106 associated with an integrated two hand grip.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, an integrated hand grip is a grip where there is some degree of overlap between the two hands 402,406 of the player 400 as they hold and swing a sport implement 106. More specifically, this overlap places a portion of one hand between the other hand and the sport implement 106. For example, the most common grips used when swinging a golf club include the thumb of one hand being at least partially covered by the other hand. In order for an integrated hand grip to be compatible with a TIC, the TIC must be shaped to allow a portion of one hand to pass through the plane of the TIC, to be covered by the other hand. It should be noted that, in the present disclosure, any reference to TICs 500 adapted for golf are referring to TICs 500 for use with an integrated hand grip, and may be easily adapted for use with sport implements 106, other than golf clubs, where a player 400 may employ an integrated hand grip.

FIGS. 7A-7F are various views the TIC 500 adapted for an integrated hand grip where the thumb of one hand is between the sport implement 106 and the other hand. Specifically, FIGS. 7A-7F are top, bottom, front, back, right, and left side views, respectively. Again, while the following discussion is formed with respect to the TIC 500 being used with a golf club 502, it may be adapted to other implements 106 and other types of integrated hand grips.

As shown, the TIC 500 may be divided into two segments, a hand segment 700 and a thumb segment 702. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, the thumb segment 702 is a portion of the TIC 500 having a radial thickness 706 (i.e. the thickness of the TIC 500 measured from the central axis 202 in a direction normal to the central axis 202) that is sufficiently small enough that the thumb of the players second hand 406 (i.e. the hand that engages with the second surface 104 of the TIC 500) can pass over the TIC 500 to be sandwiched by the first hand 102 against the golf club 502 without the TIC 500 interfering with the grip. The hand segment 700 is the portion of the TIC 500 that is not the thumb segment 702.

In some embodiments, the thumb segment 702 has a radial width 704 b (i.e. the arc length of the thumb segment 702 as measured with respect to rotating about the central axis 202) that is large enough to allow the thumb of the second hand (see thumb 800 in FIGS. 8A and 8B) to pass through. In other words, the radial width 704 b of the thumb segment 702 is greater than said thumb. In some embodiments, the thumb segment 702 may be much larger than the thumb. For example, in the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, the radial width 704 b of the thumb segment 702 is larger than the radial width 704 a of the hand segment 700.

According to various embodiments, the smallest radial thickness 706 a of the hand segment 700, as measured from the central axis 202 passing through and normal to the aperture 200, is larger than the largest radial thickness 706 b of the thumb segment 702. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the smallest radial thickness 706 a of the hand segment 700 may be at least four times larger than the largest radial thickness 706 b of the thumb segment 702. It should be noted that in some embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, the hand segment 700 and/or the thumb segment 702 may have more than one radial thickness 706.

One consequence of dividing the TIC 500 into a thumb segment 702 and hand segment 700, as described above, is that the rotational symmetry may be reduced. According to various embodiments, the twist-inhibiting collars 100, 500 contemplated herein may have less than 2-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the central axis 202. In some embodiments, the TIC 500 may be shaped such that the hand segment 700 is shaped to follow the curve of an edge of one of the player's two hands, giving the TIC 500 a directionality. As an option, the directional TIC may have a visual indicator showing which side is meant to engage with which hand, facilitating installation.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a non-limiting example of a twist-inhibiting collar 500 on a golf club 502, in various states of use. Specifically, FIG. 8A shows the golf club 502 held in the player's second hand 406, with the thumb 800 of the second hand 406 extending through the gap provided by the thumb segment 702 to rest along the club shaft. FIG. 8B shows the golf club 502 being held with both the first 402 and second 406 hand, both hands engaged with the TIC 500, and with the thumb 800 of the second hand 406 sandwiched between the golf club 502 and the first hand 402. This engagement provides the player with a more connected sensation during the swing and prevents their hands from twisting relative to each other which changes the angle of the club face and the trajectory of the ball after being struck.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a non-limiting example of a cross section of another embodiment of a twist-inhibiting collar 900 on a bat 108, the cross section taken along the central axis 202. As discussed above, some embodiments of the TIC may be of solid construction, comprising a single material. Other embodiments may make use of multiple materials. Some embodiments may use multiple elastomeric materials 206, while other embodiments may mix elastic and inelastic materials. In some embodiments, the TIC 900 may be layered. For example, in one embodiment the TIC 900 may have a more rigid internal layer 902 sandwiched between two gripping layers of elastomer that engage with the player's hands (i.e. first surface 102 and second surface 104). This may be advantageous, allowing for a TIC 900 to have a thin profile, gripping the players 400 hands without drooping downward when not in use. A floppy TIC could get in the way and make it hard for the player 400 to establish an initial grip of the implement 106.

As a non-limiting example, one embodiment of the TIC 900 that stretches over the knob 112 of a bat 108 may also comprise a rigid or semi-rigid (e.g. more rigid than the elastomeric material 206, etc.) internal layer 902 of non-elastic segments sandwiched between the first 102 and second 104 surfaces of elastomeric material 206. When the elastic layers are relaxed, the central segments of the internal layer 902 join or even overlap to form a rigid or semi-rigid ring layer. When the TIC 900 is stretched, these segments separate, allowing the TIC 900 to be stretched over the knob 112 and then engage with the handle 110 at different locations (i.e. thicknesses). This layered architecture allows the TIC 900 to have the rigidity and low-profile of a non-elastic layer without having to sacrifice the elasticity needed to stretch over the knob 112 and still engage with the handle 110.

In some embodiments, the interface surface 204 (e.g. the surface of the TIC 900 that is in contact with the handle 110 of the bat 108) may have a thicker cross section than the rest of the TIC 900. FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of such a TIC 900 having an enlarged interface surface 204, increasing the surface area that is in contact with the handle 110 of the bat 108 while maintaining a thin profile elsewhere, allowing the player 400 to keep their hands close together, while also maintaining the TICs 900 location on the bat 108.

Some embodiments of the TIC may employ means other than friction and/or compression due to an elastomeric material 206 at the interface surface 204 to keep the TIC in place on the sport implement 106. For example, some embodiments may employ a releasable adhesive. Other embodiments may employ additional structure to maintain the TIC 1000 in its position on the handle 110 of a bat 108 while still being adjustable. FIG. 10 is a side view of a non-limiting example of another embodiment of a twist-inhibiting collar 1000 installed on a bat 108 using two straps 1002 that effectively increase the width of the handle 110 immediately above and below the TIC 1000. This may be advantageous, as it allows the TIC 1000 to have a larger central aperture 200, making it easier to pull over the knob 112. The straps 1002 may be releasably coupled to the bat 108, using any coupling means known in the art including, but not limited to, hook and loop, adhesive, magnets, buckles, clasps, and the like.

As mentioned above, some embodiments of the TIC 100, 500, 900 may maintain their position on the sport implement 106, in large part, through friction between the interface surface 204 and the implement 106. It may be advantageous to increase the friction provided by the surface of the handle 110 of the bat 108 (for example) to enhance the grip the TIC 100, 500, 900 has on the bat 108. In some embodiments, the TIC 100, 500, 900 may be used in conjunction with conventional grip tape on the handle 110 of a bat 108.

Many baseball players wrap the handle 110 of their bat 108 with grip tape to improve their grasp on the bat 108 through the swing. Conventional grip tape can be unforgiving during the installation process, where a single mistake may require the applicant to start the process over. It is particularly difficult for younger players to properly apply the grip tape in a way that improves their grip rather than creating an uneven surface that can result in blisters.

Contemplated herein is a grip sleeve 1100 that may serve as a replacement for conventional grip tape. The grip sleeve 1100 is a single, elastic tube that slides over and contracts against the handle 110 of the bat 108. The use of a single piece of elastomeric material 206 is advantageous, as it may be manufactured with a variety of surface features that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with conventional grip tape or other conventional grip enhancement products.

Some embodiments of the grip sleeve 1100 comprise features to facilitate installation on a handle 110 of the bat 108. FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a non-limiting example of a cross section of a grip sleeve 1100 being installed on a handle 110 of a bat 108 by being pulled up the bat 108 with two removable tethers 1102 passed through holes 1104 in the grip sleeve 1100. The tethers 1102 are inserted through the holes 1104 but are not able to pass all the way through, allowing the applicant to stretch the sleeve 1100 outward over the knob 112 and the pull it up the handle 110 of the bat 108. Once the grip sleeve 1100 is in place, the tethers 1102 may be removed, allowing the sleeve 1100 to sit tight against the handle 110. In some embodiments, the end of the tether 1102 may comprise a curved structure to facilitate stretch the end of the sleeve 1100 wide enough to fit over the bat's knob 112.

The grip sleeve enhances the grip between the handle 110 and the player's hands, as well as the friction between the interface surface 204 of a TIC and the handle 110. According to various embodiments, the grip sleeve 1100 may comprise any elastic material known in the art, including any of the materials discussed for use in the TIC.

In other embodiments, the grip sleeve 1100 may be held tight against the handle 110 of the bat 108 through means other than elasticity. For example, in one embodiment, the grip sleeve 1100 may comprise a heat sensitive material. Before installation, the sleeve 1100 is wider than the knob 112 of the bat 108 and is easily slid over the handle 110 of the bat 108. Once in place, heat is applied (e.g. hair drier, heat gun, etc.), causing the grip sleeve 1100 to contract until it is tight against the surface of the bat 108.

Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations reference examples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other materials, shapes, and sports implements could be intermixed or substituted with those provided. In places where the description above refers to particular embodiments of a twist-inhibiting collar for sport, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied to other collars for other sport implements as well. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A twist-inhibiting collar for sports, comprising: a first surface configured to engage with an ulnar edge of a first hand of a player while holding a handle of a bat in the first hand and a second hand; a second surface configured to engage with a radial edge of the second hand of the player while holding the handle of the bat in the first hand and a second hand and the ulnar edge of the first hand is engaged with the first surface, the second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface and the second surface separated along a central axis of the twist-inhibiting collar; and an aperture passing through the first surface and the second surface and centered along the central axis, the aperture defined by an interface surface that connects the first surface to the second surface, the interface surface coupled to the handle of the bat held in the first hand and the second hand, the aperture sized to fit the handle of the bat, wherein the first surface and the second surface are sized such that the first hand is entirely separated from the second hand by both the first and second surfaces while the interface surface is coupled to the handle of the bat and the player is holding the handle to swing the bat with the ulnar edge of the first hand engaged with the first surface and the radial edge of the second hand engaged with the second surface, wherein the handle of the bat comprises a knob, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar comprises an elastomeric material sufficiently elastic that the aperture can stretch enough to allow the knob to pass through the aperture, and wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprises a plurality of surface elements extending outward.
 2. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, further comprising an internal layer that is parallel to and sandwiched between the first surface and second surface, the internal layer being composed of a material that is more rigid than the elastomeric material.
 3. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the plurality of surface elements are rounded bumps.
 4. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the twist-inhibiting collar is visible while the bat is in use, with the first hand in contact with the first surface and the second hand in contact with the second surface.
 5. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material has a hardness of at least 30 durometer.
 6. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar has less than 2-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the central axis passing through the aperture.
 7. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material is porous and able to absorb a dye after manufacture.
 8. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar is at most 3/16 inches thick measured parallel to the central axis.
 9. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar is smaller measured parallel to the central axis than measured perpendicular to the central axis.
 10. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar is composed entirely of the elastomeric material.
 11. The twist-inhibiting collar of claim 1, wherein the aperture is sized to couple to the handle of the bat when the handle is inside the aperture and the twist-inhibiting collar is positioned to be sandwiched between the players first and second hands while holding the handle to swing the bat.
 12. A method for inhibiting hand twist with a twist-inhibiting collar for sport, comprising: coupling the twist-inhibiting collar to a handle of a bat, the twist-inhibiting collar comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an aperture passing through the first surface and the second surface, the aperture defined by an interface surface that is coupled to the handle of the bat, the handle of the bat passing through the aperture; gripping the handle of the bat with a first hand and a second hand, with the twist-inhibiting collar sandwiched between and in contact with the first hand and the second hand, with the first hand above the twist-inhibiting collar and having an ulnar edge in contact with the first surface, and the second hand below the twist-inhibiting collar and having a radial edge in contact with the second surface; and swinging the bat while the twist-inhibiting collar is sandwiched between the first hand and the second hand, the contact between the first hand and the first surface and between the second hand and the second surface inhibiting a twisting of the first hand relative to the second hand.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar comprises an elastomeric material.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the handle of the bat comprises a knob and wherein coupling the twist-inhibiting collar to the handle comprises stretching the aperture and passing the knob through the aperture.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein swinging the bat further comprises squeezing the twist-inhibiting collar between the first hand and the second hand to increase the engagement of the first hand with the first surface and the second hand with the second surface.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first surface and the second surface comprise a plurality of surface elements extending outward to engage with the first hand and the second hand.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the surface elements are round bumps that are smooth, and wherein the twisting of the first hand relative to the second hand is further inhibited by tactile feedback provided to the first hand and the second hand by the round bumps while swinging.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar is at most 3/16 inches thick measured parallel to a central axis.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar is smaller measured parallel to a central axis than measured perpendicular to a central axis.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein coupling the twist-inhibiting collar to the handle of the bat further comprises positioning the collar on the handle such that it will be between a player's hands when the player is swinging the bat.
 21. A twist-inhibiting collar for sports, comprising: a first surface configured to engage with an ulnar edge of a first hand of a player; a second surface configured to engage with a radial edge of a second hand of the player, the second surface opposite the first surface; and an aperture passing through the first surface and the second surface, the aperture defined by an interface surface that is coupled to a sport implement held in the first hand and the second hand, wherein the twist-inhibiting collar comprises an elastomeric material. 